erdafitinib
What is the most important information I should know about erdafitinib?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is erdafitinib?
Erdafitinib is used in adults to treat bladder cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), or cannot be removed with surgery.
Erdafitinib is used if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "FGFR" gene), and if you were treated with at least one other platinum cancer medicine that did not work or has stopped working. Your doctor will test you for this gene.
Erdafitinib is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Erdafitinib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to this medicine, but further studies are needed.
Erdafitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erdafitinib?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with your eyes or vision.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Erdafitinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine.
Keep using birth control for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using erdafitinib.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine. You should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
How should I take erdafitinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take erdafitinib whole once per day with or without food.
If you vomit shortly after taking erdafitinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.
Your doctor may want you to use artificial tears or other lubricating eye medication every 2 hours while you are awake. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
You will need frequent vision tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time the next day. Do not use two doses in one day.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking erdafitinib?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of erdafitinib?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You may have high phosphate levels, and your blood will need to be tested often. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as numbness or tingling around your mouth, muscle stiffness, body aches, itching or rash, tiredness, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or feeling short of breath.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- vision problems, vision loss;
- eye pain or redness; or
- problems with your fingernails or toenails --pain, bleeding, separation of the nails from the skin (nail bed), unusual breakage, changes in nail color or texture, cracks or infection in your cuticles.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- dry eyes;
- dry mouth, mouth sores;
- hair loss;
- dry skin, problems with your fingernails or toenails;
- redness, swelling, pain, or blisters on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
- muscle pain;
- feeling tired;
- abnormal liver or kidney function tests;
- low sodium levels, low red blood cell count;
- nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation; or
- changes in your sense of taste.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect erdafitinib?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- medicines that may change phosphate levels --potassium phosphate supplements, vitamin D supplements, antacids, enemas or laxatives that contain phosphate, and other medicines known to contain phosphate.
Other drugs may affect erdafitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about erdafitinib.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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